MICHIGAN

Women Infants & Children

well fed MEANS

less lead

LEAD CAN HURTYOUR FAMILY.

Lead is a metal that our bodies

don’t need. Too much lead in

our bodies can cause problems,

especially for children. Children

exposed to too much lead may not

look or act sick, but may have

problems with growth

and learning.

Talk with your

doctor to see if you

or your child should

be tested for lead.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON NUTRITION AND

LEAD, CONTACT:

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

1-888-322-4453 or visit: www.michigan.gov/lead

The National Lead Information Center 1-800-424-LEAD (424-5323)

MICHIGAN

Women Infants & Children

Your local WIC Nutritionist

or visit www.choosemyplate.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. DCH-1515 March 2016

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM LEAD WITH HEALTHY FOODS!

Good nutrition is one way to protect your

family from lead. From the start, breast milk

provides the best nutrition and many health

benefits for babies.

For children and adults, three key nutrients

can play a role in protecting the body from

the harmful effects of lead: calcium, iron,

and vitamin C. These nutrients help the

body absorb less lead and are part of a

healthy diet. Choose a variety of foods daily.

SOURCES OF CALCIUM INCLUDE:

• Milk

• Yogurt

• Cheese

• Cottage Cheese

• Pudding

• Calcium fortified orange juice

• Dark, leafy green vegetables

SOURCES OF IRON INCLUDE:

• WIC-approvedcereals

• Legumes (peas,beans, lentils)

• Dried fruits

• Lean red meats, fish, chicken, turkey

• Dark, leafy greenvegetables

SOURCES OF VITAMIN C INCLUDE:

• Oranges

• Grapefruit

• Tomatoes

• Bell peppers

• Broccoli

• Potatoes

• Strawberries

• Melons

• WIC-approvedjuices

MEAL PLANNING

It is important that your family has regular meals and snacks. This may help keep lead from being absorbed. Ask your WIC Nutritionist for ideas on healthy food choices and serving sizes.

EAT LESS: • Fried foods

• High fat meats such as sausage, bacon and hot dogs

• Foods cooked with fatty meats,butter and lard

• High fat snacks such aschips and cakes

EAT MORE:• Lean meats

• Baked, broiled or steamed food

• Fresh fruits and vegetables• Low fat snacks such as pretzels,

graham crackers and frozen fruit juice pops

AVOID:• Storing foods in imported lead-glazed

pottery or leaded crystal

• Fruits or vegetables grown in lead-contaminated soil

• Foods or drinks made with lead-contaminated water

REMEMBER TO ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE YOU EAT!